NAHL Announces Stars of the Week
November 30, 2020 - North American Hockey League (NAHL) News Release
DALLAS, TEXAS - The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending November 29, 2020. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2020-21 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.
Central Division Star of the Week: George Grannis, Forward, Bismarck Bobcats
Bismarck Bobcats forward and Clarkson University commit George Grannis, 20, helped the Bobcats pick up two wins in three games this past week. The 6'0/190 lbs. native of Duluth, MN, tallied five points in the three games, which included two goals, three assists, and a +2 rating. On Wednesday, Grannis had the overtime-winning goal and an assist in a 4-3 win. On Friday, he added another game-winning goal, this time shorthanded, and added two assists in a 5-1 win. For the season, Grannis leads the Bobcats in scoring with 10 points in 10 games played. "George has done a great job lately picking up where he left off last year. He was one of our top player at the end of last year and he helped this group have a good weekend. He can score big goals and also make plays, which he showcased this last week," said Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie.
2nd Star: Payton Matsui, F, Aberdeen Wings
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Clayton Cosentino, F, Aberdeen Wings - Hudson Hodges, G, Austin Bruins - Quinn Rudrud, F, Bismarck Bobcats - Tyler Shea, G, Austin Bruins
East Division Star of the Week: Michael Morelli, Goaltender, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland Black Bears goalie Michael Morelli, 19, started on won both games this past weekend as the Black Bears picked up a weekend home sweep of the Johnstown Tomahawks. The 6'1/175 lbs. native of Arvada, CO, stopped 46 of 50 shots in the two wins. On Friday, the NAPHL grad made 26 saves in a 2-1 win, and then on Saturday, he made 30 saves in a 4-3 win. For the 2020-21 season, Morelli has a 6-2-1 record with a 2.41 GAA and a .928 save percentage. "Michael has a track record of success wherever he has played throughout his young career. He is a great example of what you need in order to have success as a Jr A player. First on the ice; last to leave; competes for every puck in practice, he does it all. He is a very driven athlete and is also extremely talented. He gives us a chance to win, every time he starts, and gives our group a lot of confidence," said Maryland head coach Clint Mylymok.
2nd Star: Jake LaRusso, F, New Jersey Titans
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Connor Cole, F, Maryland Black Bears
Midwest Division Star of the Week: No Games
South Division Star of the Week: Gio Procopio, Forward, Shreveport Mudbugs
Shreveport Mudbugs forward Gio Procopio, 20, played a big role in helping his team pick up three of four points in a weekend road series against the Lone Star Brahmas. The 5'11/187 lbs. native of Grosse Point, MI, had three points and was a +2 in the two games. On Friday, Procopio assisted on Shreveport's lone goal in a 2-1 overtime loss. On Saturday, he scored the game-winning goal and had an assist in a 4-1 win. For the season, Procopio is tied for the team scoring lead with 10 points in eight games played. "Gio's consistent play and his ability to play and think in all situations makes him dangerous at all times. Gio is a huge asset to our team. He has been a great leader for us on and off the ice since joining the Mudbugs last year. We are thankful he's a Mudbug and we expect to see more consistent play from him this season," said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell.
2nd Star: Ty Black, F, Amarillo Bulls
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Joey Baez, F, Lone Star Brahmas - Graham Burke, G, Lone Star Brahmas - Cole Hudson, G, Shreveport Mudbugs
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North American Hockey League Stories from November 30, 2020
- Hunter McCoy Commits to Brown University - Maryland Black Bears
- LaRusso Named NAHL's East Division's Second Star of the Week - New Jersey Titans
- NAHL Announces Stars of the Week - NAHL
- Titans Defenseman Tyler Nasca Makes NCAA D1 Commitment to Mercyhurst University - New Jersey Titans
- Wings Sign Tender Landry Schmuck - Aberdeen Wings
- Zach Hansen Loaned to USHL Sioux City - Austin Bruins
- LaRusso's 2 Goals Aren't Enough as Titans Fall to Tomahawks in SO - New Jersey Titans
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